Classic Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna

Quick Facts

Highlights

Relaxed hassle-free cycling on dedicated paths all the way from Passau to Vienna.

Exploring the wonderful, culture-filled cities of Passau and Vienna.

Stopping for wine tastings as you cycle through the vineyards of the Wachau Valley.

Charming towns, beautiful churches and superb scenery every day.

Tucking into the excellent Austrian food and wine.

Cycle along the renowned Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna alongside the Blue Danube. The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic and Europe’s most popular cycle holiday. As you cycle through Austria you will discover the enchanting river landscape, picturesque villages, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites from the time of the Romans and Nibelungengau. The Danube Cycle Path is completely traffic-free so you can relax and enjoy the wooded forests and the magical meadows of the Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and Wachau regions.

As you follow the Danube you will discover that each region offers unique attractions. Gourmets will enjoy the Wachau Wine Valley. Numerous museums, exhibitions, galleries and the beautiful towns and cities along the way will tell you the story of this fascinating region. The Danube Cycle Tour is perfectly suited to families and beginners as the cycling is flat or gently downhill as you follow the Danube downstream. The route is well way-marked, paved and traffic free. What more could you ask for on a cycling holiday?

DAY 1: Arrive Passau

Passau, the city of three rivers, sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers and has developed as a wonderful historic city. Once you arrive in Passau, take the time to enjoy a city tour or stroll through the lanes, arches and tunnels of the beautiful old city.

Overnight: Passau

DAY 2: Passau to Schlögener Loop area

Passau is right on the border of Austria and you are soon cycling through the wonderful scenery of the Upper Danube Valley on the way to Schlögen. Highlights of today’s route include a visit to the only “Trappist“ monastery in Austria at Engelhartszell, where you can sample some delicious liqueurs. The impressive “Schlögener Loop” where the river makes a complete 180-degree turn, marks the end of the day.

Cycle: Approx. 44km

Overnight: Schlögener Loop area

DAY 3: Schlögener Loop to Linz area

Small passenger ferries whisk you across the Danube to start your day before you continue to the Eferdinger basin. Here the landscape opens onto the fertile plains and before you know it you will arrive in Linz.
Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and was the European Culture Capital of 2009. It is hard to beat the pleasure of enjoying a stroll around the lovely main square on a gorgeous summer evening.

DAY 4: Linz to Region Grein

Don’t miss the short diversion to the town of Enns. This delightful town is the oldest in Austria and both beautiful and fascinating in equal measure. As you continue to follow the Danube you will enjoy cycling through beautiful meadows and tranquil countryside. Other highlights include the Celtic village Mitterkirchen, the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and the romantic castle of Clam. The beautiful Baroque village of Grein, home to the oldest theatre in Austria, is your destination for the day.

DAY 5: Region Grein to Region Melk

Today you will be cycling through a wonderful landscape of high, densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. The scenery is absolutely sublime. Look out for the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl, which is perched high above the Danube. The Benedictine Monastery of Melk marks the end of the day and can be seen from many miles away.

Cycle: Approx. 51km

Overnight: Region Melk

DAY 6: Region Melk to Region Krems

The Wachau is the next highlight on the Danube Cycle Path. The Wachau valley is a landscape of terraced vineyards and apricot orchards, dotted with castles, palaces and monasteries. The wine growing villages of Spitz, Weißkirchen and Durnstein are filled with tempting taverns, where you can experience Austrian food, wine and welcomes at their best.

Cycle: Approx. 40km

Overnight: Region Krems

DAY 7: Region Krems to Vienna

You depart the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape of Wachau by train for Tulln. On arriving in Tulln you continue on a delightful cycle through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and pass through the “Gates of Vienna”. Don’t miss the Klosterneuburg monastery.
And finally you arrive in Vienna, “The City of Music”. Vienna is one of Europe’s most delightful cities and the perfect place to end a wonderful cycle tour on a high.

Shortcut: Take a boat or regional train all the way to Vienna.

Cycle: Approx. 40km

Overnight: Vienna

DAY 8: Onward Travel

If you need to return back to Passau a train ticket is included in the price of your trip but you may have time to explore the delightful city of Vienna before you leave. You will not be disappointed by Vienna, a few of the must-sees include the famous Naschmarkt (international food/goods market), the City Opera, the Ringstrasse and of course the gorgeous imperial castle Schönbrunn. Extra nights in Vienna can be reserved at the time of bookings.

Extension: Cycle from Vienna to Bratislava (3 days/2 nights)

The Danube Cycle Path does not end in Vienna! Why not continue your cycle through the 'Donauauen' Nature Reserve and onwards to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava (includes the bus journey back to Vienna). Please contact us for details.

Accommodation

Our Classic Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard ensuite double/twin rooms in typical Austrian Inns, which are normally 3* standard. We carefully select them for their warmth of welcome and character.
We can also upgrade you to 3* and 4* hotels if you prefer. Below you will find an example of accommodations used on this tour.

Accommodation Location

We work with a number of accommodations along the cycle path, so all distances are an approximation of the recommended routes. You may be accommodated 5-10km away in the surrounding area, which may add or reduce the distance you cycle each day.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists and is perfect as the route is popular, so there are plenty of people to chat with every day.

Gasthof Klinglhuber - Krems

Austria Trend - Wien

The hotel offers a wide variety of services and amenities including a fabulous buffet breakfast, to guarantee the perfect start of the day.

Availability

This trip is available to start on any day from March to October. We suggest that you contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May-September.

When to go?

May to September are the busiest months, and in July and August, the days are wonderfully long for exploring and making the most of the historic centres you will visit. The summer months generally do not become unbearably hot and temperatures are often pleasantly warm, especially for cycling. Do keep in mind that some days will be hotter than others and it is important to make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid cycling at noon and wear sunscreen while cycling.

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded easy. You will be cycling along dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads. Please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic.

Navigation, Route Notes & Maps

The route is marked throughout and you will be supplied with
detailed maps, route notes and information pack on arrival in Passau. Should you require
assistance, local 24/7 telephone support will also be available
throughout your trip.

Baggage Transfers

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).

Rental Bikes

Our rental bikes include 21 or 7 gear women's or gents' bikes. Electric bikes and children’s bikes and other specialized equipment for children available upon request. All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer. Helmets are included as part
of the rental package but your own is likely to be a better fit.

EBikes are also available for hire if you would like a power assisted ride. For more information on EBikes please click here.

In Austria it is mandatory for children under 12 yrs to wear a helmet when on a bike.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

General Information

All bike tours are unescorted. The mileages and approximations are distances of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such comfortable clothes for cycling, lightweight clothing for the summer months or warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and a daypack. In Austria it is mandatory for children under 12 yrs to wear a helmet when on a bike.

Getting to Passau / from Vienna

To Passau

Passau is located in Germany, close to the Austrian border. It doesn't have an airport but it easily accessible by rail from nearby cities such as Munich, Linz, Salzburg and Vienna.

By Air

Passau has direct train connections to Linz (1h30), Salzburg (2h45), Munich (2h30) and Vienna (3h30), which are the most convenient airports. Please visit the DB Bahn Website to check times.

If you are arriving into Vienna Airport. Rail or bus transfers to Passau are included in the price. If you would like to arrange this please let us know at the time of booking. These cannot be arranged on the day of arrival.

By Train

Visit the DB Bahn Website to check train times and book tickets to Passau from European destinations. You may also wish to try Rail Europe for European rail tickets and passes.

By Car

Parking is available in Passau from between €30 and €60 per week. Contact us for details.

Getting from Vienna

Vienna Airport has extensive connections to most major international cities. The airport is only a 20 minute bus journey from the centre and has regular airport shuttle buses leaving every 20 minutes from central Vienna.

If you would like to return to Passau this is possible. We can arrange a train ticket for you which is included in the price of your trip. Central Vienna train station has several services throughout the day to Passau. Journey time is around 2hrs 45mins to 3hrs. For full information on fares and times please click here.

Train transfers from either Passau to Vienna or Vienna to Passau must be confirmed prior to travel.

Included

7 nights in 2-3* small hotels in double/twin/family rooms with private facilities.

7 Breakfasts.

Daily luggage transport

Welcome drink at the arrival hotel in Passau.

1 bottle of wine in Wachau (per room).

A tasting of regional products.

1 x train Krems/Traismauer – Tulln incl. bike.

24/7 telephone helpline

Handlebar bag with travel book, maps and information pack per room.

Excluded

Dinners.

Drinks, snacks and lunches.

Travel to Passau and from Vienna

Bike hire.

Personal equipment.

Travel insurance.

Extras

Upgrade to 3 & 4 star hotels.

Upgrade to 4 star hotels or the best 3 star hotel in town.

Half board (6 dinners – Vienna not included).

Bike hire.

Train travel from Vienna to Passau.

Solo cyclist supplement.

Extension: Cycle Vienna-Bratislava (3 Days & 2 Nights).

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip is extremely popular especially during peak season from July to August.

How fit do I need to be?

This trip is graded as easy owing to the very flat nature of this route. Daily distances are between 40 and 60 km. If you haven't been in the saddle for a while, it is a good idea to get out and spend some time cycling a couple of back to back days to get used to being on a bike. However, it’s not all cycling. Each day there are plenty opportunities
to visit historic sights and sample locally produced food and wine.

You will be cycling along designated traffic free cycle paths and some
quiet roads and along some busier routes through when approaching and
departing towns and cities, so please be mindful of other road and cycle
path users at all times.

How do the baggage transfers work?

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask that you limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. If are carrying more than 20kg per person, please let us know at the time of booking as extra luggage transfers might be required.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need comfortable shoes and clothing for cycling, a helmet and other weather appropriate clothing such as clothing for when you're not cycling. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.

When is the best time of year?

The Danube Cycle Path is busiest between May and September, with warm days and a buzzing town life in the evenings. The hottest months are July and August and during these months we'd suggest cycling early, or plan you day around a long lunch to avoid cycling in the midday heat.

What happens if I can't cycle a stage?

If you can't cycle a stage, you can take public transportation or book a taxi to transfer you to your next stop (at your own expense). You can discuss options with your accommodation provider

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Is this tour for me?

This tour is graded easy. Each cycling day covers between 40-60km along dedicated cyclepaths and through the towns and villages along Europe's most famous waterway. Predominantly traffice free means this trip is perfect for beginners, those that love to explore by bike or a group with mixed abilites. With plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes and admire centuries old towns, every pedal stroke is completed in your own time.

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